NJ Senate panel considers 2 Supreme Court nominees

Monday, June 16, 2014

TRENTON (AP) — The two Supreme Court nominees whose appointments were the subject of a deal between New Jersey’s Republican governor and Democratic Senate president will now appear before a legislative panel.

The state Senate’s Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold confirmation hearings Monday for Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and Superior Court Judge Lee Solomon. The pair will also need approval from the full Senate.

The deal ends an impasse between Gov. Chris Christie and Senate President Stephen Sweeney over jurists.

Rabner, who is 53, would be able to serve until age 70 if confirmed. Solomon, who is Christie’s pick, is seeking confirmation for a seven-year term.

The partisan balance on the court would remain at two Democrats, three Republicans and one unaffiliated.